LA JOLLA, Calif., April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) will host Behind the Mask: Carnevale di Venezia, a Venetian themed gala, auction and awards dinner to support programs designed to educate, erase stigma, and fund research for those living with bipolar disorder.

Held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine on Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., 2016 IBPF award winner, Paul Dalio, the producer of the currently released Spike Lee film, Touched With Fire starring Katie Holmes, Luke Kirby and Christine Lahti will be present to accept the award. The IMAGINE award is given to individuals who have bipolar disorder and can imagine a future free of barriers and discrimination.

Dalio traveled with IBPF to speak at a pre-World Bipolar Day press conference in Washington, D.C. and assisted in the acceptance of a Congressional Resolution. Co-founded by IBPF, World Bipolar Day is held on March 30, the birth date of Vincent Van Gogh who is identified as living with bipolar disorder.

A HOPE Award will also be given to an honoree whose efforts improve care, support and access to treatment. Founder and Chairman Muffy Walker, of Zurich, Switzerland, will recognize Honorary Gala Chairs Roy and Joanie Polatchek for their work at IBPF.

"We look forward to a evening of discovery, relationship building and fun. When we take off our masks and shed light on this mental health issue, we give hope to others," said Lori Butler, Executive Director and mental health advocate.

A mask making party will take place at IBPF's office on May 4 from 1-3 p.m. at 8755 Aero Drive #310, San Diego, CA, 92123. Guests will make their own Venetian-style masks with materials from Venice, Italy.

About International Bipolar Foundation International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization founded in June 2007 in San Diego, California by four parents with children affected by bipolar disorder. The mission of IBPF is to improve understanding and treatment of bipolar disorder through research; to promote care and support resources for individuals and caregivers; and to erase stigma through education. For more information about IBPF, please visit their website at www.ibpf.org.